Convergent priorities and tensions: a qualitative study of the integration of complementary and alternative therapies with conventional cancer treatment.

River, J; McKenzie, H; Levy, D; Pavlakis, N; Back, M; Oh, B

Convergent priorities and tensions: a qualitative study of the integration of complementary and alternative therapies with conventional cancer treatment.

River, J

McKenzie, H Levy, D Pavlakis, N Back, M Oh, B

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Publisher:: SPRINGER
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Support Care Cancer, 2018, 26, (6), pp. 1791-1797
Issue Date:: 2018-06

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	River, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5270-4013
dc.contributor.author	McKenzie, H
dc.contributor.author	Levy, D
dc.contributor.author	Pavlakis, N
dc.contributor.author	Back, M
dc.contributor.author	Oh, B https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6063-4548
dc.date.accessioned	2022-08-22T00:31:46Z
dc.date.available	2017-12-10
dc.date.available	2022-08-22T00:31:46Z
dc.date.issued	2018-06
dc.identifier.citation	Support Care Cancer, 2018, 26, (6), pp. 1791-1797
dc.identifier.issn	0941-4355
dc.identifier.issn	1433-7339
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/160650
dc.description.abstract	PURPOSE: Demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among cancer patients. This, alongside growing evidence for the efficacy of some CAM therapies, is driving change within cancer centres, where evidence-based CAM therapies are increasingly provided alongside standard cancer treatments. In Australia, commitment to equitable access to healthcare is strong, and some cancer centres are now providing integrative services at no cost to the patient. This represents a significant shift in healthcare provision. This study aimed to examine health professional and patient dynamics in an integrated cancer service where CAM is provided at no cost to patients alongside standard cancer treatments. It specifically sought to understand what might drive or hinder further integration of CAM with standard treatment in the cancer context. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with twenty key stakeholders-cancer patients, cancer nurses, and oncologists-who were delivering or receiving care in an Australian public hospital where acupuncture services are provided at no cost to patients alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments. RESULTS: Findings point to key areas where the concerns and priorities of cancer patients, cancer nurses, and oncologists converge and diverge in ways that reflect core personal and professional interests regarding patient care needs, the evidence base for CAM efficacy and safety, and rising healthcare costs. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding points of convergence and divergence could assist clinicians and service providers in negotiating ways forward for integrative cancer services.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	SPRINGER
dc.relation.ispartof	Support Care Cancer
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/s00520-017-4021-0
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences, 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Oncology & Carcinogenesis
dc.subject.mesh	Complementary Therapies
dc.subject.mesh	Female
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Male
dc.subject.mesh	Middle Aged
dc.subject.mesh	Neoplasms
dc.subject.mesh	Qualitative Research
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Neoplasms
dc.subject.mesh	Complementary Therapies
dc.subject.mesh	Qualitative Research
dc.subject.mesh	Middle Aged
dc.subject.mesh	Female
dc.subject.mesh	Male
dc.title	Convergent priorities and tensions: a qualitative study of the integration of complementary and alternative therapies with conventional cancer treatment.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	26
utslib.location.activity	Germany
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
utslib.for	17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Medical and Molecular Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-08-22T00:31:43Z
pubs.issue	6
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	26
utslib.citation.issue	6

Abstract:

PURPOSE: Demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high among cancer patients. This, alongside growing evidence for the efficacy of some CAM therapies, is driving change within cancer centres, where evidence-based CAM therapies are increasingly provided alongside standard cancer treatments. In Australia, commitment to equitable access to healthcare is strong, and some cancer centres are now providing integrative services at no cost to the patient. This represents a significant shift in healthcare provision. This study aimed to examine health professional and patient dynamics in an integrated cancer service where CAM is provided at no cost to patients alongside standard cancer treatments. It specifically sought to understand what might drive or hinder further integration of CAM with standard treatment in the cancer context. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with twenty key stakeholders-cancer patients, cancer nurses, and oncologists-who were delivering or receiving care in an Australian public hospital where acupuncture services are provided at no cost to patients alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments. RESULTS: Findings point to key areas where the concerns and priorities of cancer patients, cancer nurses, and oncologists converge and diverge in ways that reflect core personal and professional interests regarding patient care needs, the evidence base for CAM efficacy and safety, and rising healthcare costs. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding points of convergence and divergence could assist clinicians and service providers in negotiating ways forward for integrative cancer services.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/160650